Bakery Job Descriptions
Caramel rolls, blueberry bagels, carrot cake, cinnamon-raisin bread, Boston cream pie---bakeries are full of many kinds of tasty treats. Staff in baking manufacturing facilities may work around the clock to prepare those breakfast foods and dessert options. If you want to be part of the team that produces pastries and other items, you can choose from several types of jobs.
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Senior Scientist
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This professional researches and develops new products. She also looks for ways to improve existing products and cut the company's costs. She may oversee laboratory and in-plant testing of new products and develop manuals that detail how they will be produced. The scientist may meet with suppliers and attend trade shows to stay abreast of bakery industry trends. Applicants for these types of jobs are expected to have a bachelor's (or higher) degree in food science or a related field. They should be experts in the baking process and have several years of experience in the bakery industry.
Production Supervisor
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Overseeing the bakery production line is the main responsibility of a production supervisor. He makes sure employees meet the company's goals for the number of products produced each day and ensures these goods meet quality standards. He manages employee hours so the company meets its labor budget. If equipment breaks down, he works with engineering staff to get problems resolved promptly. Bakeries look for production supervisors who have an associate degree and previous experience in a food-manufacturing facility. Production supervisors need strong leadership and communication skills.
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Engineering Supervisor
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Making sure bakery equipment is maintained and repaired is the focus of the engineering supervisor. She oversees a team of mechanics who troubleshoot problems while complying with food safety and other legal requirements. She may provide training to staff and works to prevent on-the-job accidents. Applicants for these jobs are expected to have a high school diploma, previous food-manufacturing experience, and a thorough understanding of bakery operations. They also need strong communication skills and may be expected to use Microsoft Office products.
Sanitation Supervisor
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This employee ensures that the equipment used to store ingredients and prepare foods is cleaned properly. The supervisor needs to be familiar with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sanitation and safety standards. He should also be educated in government food-processing standards. He will be expected to supervise other employees and manage a budget. Employers expect a sanitation supervisor to have strong communication and analytical skills, as well as computer skills. Applicants may need some college background and past experience in a bakery sanitation role.
Laborers
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The most "hands-on" employees in a bakery may be the laborers. These workers may prepare dough, put it on baking trays, operate equipment, remove trays from the baking line and load food onto trucks. They may also clean work areas and take out trash. Applicants may need a high school diploma or GED to apply for these jobs. Previous experience in a food manufacturing environment is considered a plus.
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References
- Photo Credit Pie image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com